Justice News

Boston Gang Member Sentenced for Distributing Drugs In and Around Public Housing Development

BOSTON – A Boston gang member was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for distributing crack cocaine in a Jamaica Plain housing development.

Jarrod Simmons, a/k/a “Rizz,” 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to one year and one day in prison and six years of supervised release. In April 2018, Simmons pleaded guilty to distribution of controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a public housing facility.

Following a two-year investigation, Simmons and eight co-defendants were charged in January 2018 in connection with illegal drug distribution and firearm possession within and near the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments in Jamaica Plain, formerly known as the Bromley Heath Housing Development. Simmons, who was identified as a member of the Heath Street Gang during the investigation, sold cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, to a cooperating witness inside the development on Sept. 18, 2016. According to court documents, Simmons was on pretrial release for state drug and firearm offenses when he conducted the drug sale.

The investigation and arrests sought to reduce violence and improve the quality of life in and around the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments for residents by removing individuals who trafficked drugs and who were involved in gang activity in and around the development.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans made the announcement today. Assistance was also provided by the Boston Housing Authority’s Department of Police and Public Safety.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.